Time to Gain! Anyone running a bulk?

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Replies

  • watts6151
    watts6151 Posts: 905 Member
    @garyruns, whenever I’m under 10% bf I have customers quietly asking if I’m terminal as my face is really drawn
  • happimess01
    happimess01 Posts: 9,074 Member
    Would it be ok if i posted a video here looking for some feedback on my bench press form? My progress has stalled and you guys all seem very knowledgeable. Thanks :)
  • Beautyofdreams
    Beautyofdreams Posts: 1,009 Member
    There is a separate thread for form check? Is @Chieflrg still active?
  • happimess01
    happimess01 Posts: 9,074 Member
    There is a separate thread for form check? Is @Chieflrg still active?

    Thanks for tagging him. I haven't seen him around in a while
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    There is a separate thread for form check? Is @Chieflrg still active?

    Thanks for tagging him. I haven't seen him around in a while

    I briefly searched for that thread and couldn't find it. Creeping on his profile says he's been inactive since November.

    This is a thread that was getting a lot of traffic before the holidays. Started as a "post your latest achievement" type thread but has has plenty of routine and form discussion.
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10817729/gift-us-your-lifts-or-other-achievements#latest
  • GaryRuns
    GaryRuns Posts: 508 Member
    Would it be ok if i posted a video here looking for some feedback on my bench press form? My progress has stalled and you guys all seem very knowledgeable. Thanks :)

    I have the @chieflrg thread bookmarked. Here it is:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10756076/barbell-form-check-e-g-squats-deadlift-benching-presses/p1

    Whether or not he is still active is another question.

    If not I'd suggest you start with your own thread containing the video. I'm sure you'll get more responses that way.
  • happimess01
    happimess01 Posts: 9,074 Member
    Thanks @GaryRuns and @steveko89, I made a reddit thread about it. Will make a post here if that doesn't work :)
  • alexandramosenson
    alexandramosenson Posts: 50 Member
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.

    I ran PHAT. It's a great program. If you want, just extend the rest time for the speed work.
  • alexandramosenson
    alexandramosenson Posts: 50 Member
    psuLemon wrote: »
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.

    I ran PHAT. It's a great program. If you want, just extend the rest time for the speed work.

    I take your point. Do you know the purpose of the seed work aside from increasing strength? I am really here for aestheics....I also think it's time to cut for me. I am at 114lbs, which is approx 8 lbs up from my weight last year. That and I am emotionally influenced by my alcohol consumption this week!
  • GaryRuns
    GaryRuns Posts: 508 Member
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.

    It'll be interesting to hear what you think about PHAT after your meso. That's exciting that you feel like you have gained a lot of muscle mass!

    I'm about ready to start my cut as well. I have had various ailments for the last month and half or so, namely bronchitis and covid, and I don't want to end my bulk with that so I'm doing one more meso of 4 or so weeks in a surplus before going to maintenance for a couple of weeks and then to a cut.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    I dabbled with PHAT a few times and couldn't really get up for it. I don't specifically remember why but it might be worth a revisit.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    psuLemon wrote: »
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.

    I ran PHAT. It's a great program. If you want, just extend the rest time for the speed work.

    I take your point. Do you know the purpose of the seed work aside from increasing strength? I am really here for aestheics....I also think it's time to cut for me. I am at 114lbs, which is approx 8 lbs up from my weight last year. That and I am emotionally influenced by my alcohol consumption this week!

    The speed work is just an added stressor to help support hypertrophy. You can easily modify if it causes issues.
  • nay0m3
    nay0m3 Posts: 178 Member
    I am a couple of weeks in on adding some extra calories but not telling myself it is a "bulk" as that freaks me out a bit. I have worked so hard to get lean that it's a mind *kitten* to tell myself to gain but I am trying to trust the process I read about and see others having success with. It's super helpful for me to hear the highs and lows people, especially women, go through with eating more food and getting a bit fluffy. I am confident I can get lean again and I am giving myself a cap of 140 pounds. Started at a weight that fluctuates quite a bit--anywhere from 127-132, and I am up to 134 and will see what happens for the next month or when I hit 140.

    I can see some definition in my lower body, like that line in your thighs you can see from the side and also my quads are popping more from the front. I am excited but also really looking forward to getting even more lean.

    Advice or support anyone wants to offer is welcome :)
  • alexandramosenson
    alexandramosenson Posts: 50 Member
    GaryRuns wrote: »
    I just started PHAT as what is probably the final stages of my bulk. I have gained about 8-10 lbs in the past year and I think it's mostly muscle! I have been running PHUL forever. Has anyone run PHAT before? What is the point of the speed work? I think it's pretty disruptive to my shoulder joint so I may pass on it.

    It'll be interesting to hear what you think about PHAT after your meso. That's exciting that you feel like you have gained a lot of muscle mass!

    I'm about ready to start my cut as well. I have had various ailments for the last month and half or so, namely bronchitis and covid, and I don't want to end my bulk with that so I'm doing one more meso of 4 or so weeks in a surplus before going to maintenance for a couple of weeks and then to a cut.

    I tell myself it's mostly muscle bc i can still see some abs when I do ab exercises! and my quads are popping! I'll post a pic soon.
  • alexandramosenson
    alexandramosenson Posts: 50 Member
    nay0meh wrote: »
    I am a couple of weeks in on adding some extra calories but not telling myself it is a "bulk" as that freaks me out a bit. I have worked so hard to get lean that it's a mind *kitten* to tell myself to gain but I am trying to trust the process I read about and see others having success with. It's super helpful for me to hear the highs and lows people, especially women, go through with eating more food and getting a bit fluffy. I am confident I can get lean again and I am giving myself a cap of 140 pounds. Started at a weight that fluctuates quite a bit--anywhere from 127-132, and I am up to 134 and will see what happens for the next month or when I hit 140.

    I can see some definition in my lower body, like that line in your thighs you can see from the side and also my quads are popping more from the front. I am excited but also really looking forward to getting even more lean.

    Advice or support anyone wants to offer is welcome :)

    I am basically in the same boat as you. Started at a low weight, set a weight at which I would reevaluate. Then go from there. I like my new upper weight...truthfully, I don't look that much different 8 pounds up!
  • manowarrule2003
    manowarrule2003 Posts: 118 Member
    edited February 2022
    Yep, currently bulking. Since feb last year ive gone from 10 st 9lbs to 11 st 12lbs. Pretty chuffed. Don't look like i lift yet but i attribute that to lack of muscle and lack of definition. Carrying on bulk till mid march..... Then i dunno. 8 week cut? 12 week? Then maintain for a but before major winter bulk in September? First time ive ever tried putting a time frame on bulk cut cycles and i feel its helping with goal setting and drive

    Edit not a beginner so no newbie gains to be had. Dabbled for years ane years but ultimately wasted my time due to lack of consistency leading to lack of results leading to quitting. This marks the 1st time ive stuck at lifting religiously for over a year straight
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    How is everyone doing?

    I have changed my goals to focus on strength. I am set for a small deficit but don't stress calories so much. I am trying to get close to the 1000 lb club by my 40th in July. Goal is 405 DL, 275 bench and 315 squat. I am currently 325/240/290. I weigh 167 witha goal weight of 160.

    I am running AthleanXs all American Muscle right now. Loving it so far.
  • GaryRuns
    GaryRuns Posts: 508 Member
    edited April 2022
    psuLemon wrote: »
    How is everyone doing?

    I have changed my goals to focus on strength. I am set for a small deficit but don't stress calories so much. I am trying to get close to the 1000 lb club by my 40th in July. Goal is 405 DL, 275 bench and 315 squat. I am currently 325/240/290. I weigh 167 witha goal weight of 160.

    I am running AthleanXs all American Muscle right now. Loving it so far.

    I'm at 186 as of this morning. Up 18lbs from the bottom of my cut where I was approx. 8-9% bf.

    I probably need to start a cut. I'm getting "fluffy" and can no longer see my abs without flexing. BUT, I've been making steady gains on my lifts and that makes me reluctant to start a cut. And, as a lot of people who lift for hypertrophy are aware, I look a fair bit more "healthy" with a little fat on my frame, especially as an old dude.

    Are you doing high or low bar on your squats @psuLemon? After watching a video by Dr. Mike I switched to high bar and so the weight on the bar has gone down accordingly.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    GaryRuns wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    How is everyone doing?

    I have changed my goals to focus on strength. I am set for a small deficit but don't stress calories so much. I am trying to get close to the 1000 lb club by my 40th in July. Goal is 405 DL, 275 bench and 315 squat. I am currently 325/240/290. I weigh 167 witha goal weight of 160.

    I am running AthleanXs all American Muscle right now. Loving it so far.

    I'm at 186 as of this morning. Up 18lbs from the bottom of my cut where I was approx. 8-9% bf.

    I probably need to start a cut. I'm getting "fluffy" and can no longer see my abs without flexing. BUT, I've been making steady gains on my lifts and that makes me reluctant to start a cut. And, as a lot of people who lift for hypertrophy are aware, I look a fair bit more "healthy" with a little fat on my frame, especially as an old dude.

    Are you doing high or low bar on your squats @psuLemon? After watching a video by Dr. Mike I switched to high bar and so the weight on the bar has gone down accordingly.

    I have always done high bar squat. I know I leave some on the table, but it feels more comfortable.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    Hey guys. Overall, I've been well, weight has been a little noisy but mostly within the expected range. Height of bulk in early November was right around 180 and felt fluffy. Pretty smooth drop to 176 in early January but that was pretty depleted after needing to take 2+ weeks off lifting due to a sinus infection. Back up to 178-178.5 late Feb/early March and trending at around 177.5 now. This time of year has become a pain to navigate with family gatherings; my niece and nephews all have birthdays within a 5 week span, Easter in a few weeks, then my wife, myself, and my Dad all have birthdays 4/21-5/2. At this point I think the anxiety of dealing with family is just as detrimental as the menu selection.

    Workout-wise, things have been pretty good. Running the RP Men's physique template back in the fall was a good learning experience but i think the overall volume would get too high and I don't trust myself to accurately judge RPE/RIR. I took the basic framework of that mushed it together with PHUL-type rep ranges for this six day hybrid of sorts.
    - Pull 1: lower rep
    - Push 1: lower rep
    - Pull 2: hypertrophy
    - Push 2 : hypertrophy
    - Legs
    - Push/Pull bonus upper body

    Aesthetically I'm finally getting to a point where I almost look like I lift... maybe? I'm dabbling with some different set/rep schemes to really try and focus the hypertrophy days. Started 6x6 w/ 30 seconds rest last week and really liking how that feels so far. I upgraded all the pulleys on my pulley tower which really made a difference to how smooth it moves; makes it nice to really slow down the tempo when using it, which also seems to have a nice effect.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Hey guys. Overall, I've been well, weight has been a little noisy but mostly within the expected range. Height of bulk in early November was right around 180 and felt fluffy. Pretty smooth drop to 176 in early January but that was pretty depleted after needing to take 2+ weeks off lifting due to a sinus infection. Back up to 178-178.5 late Feb/early March and trending at around 177.5 now. This time of year has become a pain to navigate with family gatherings; my niece and nephews all have birthdays within a 5 week span, Easter in a few weeks, then my wife, myself, and my Dad all have birthdays 4/21-5/2. At this point I think the anxiety of dealing with family is just as detrimental as the menu selection.

    Workout-wise, things have been pretty good. Running the RP Men's physique template back in the fall was a good learning experience but i think the overall volume would get too high and I don't trust myself to accurately judge RPE/RIR. I took the basic framework of that mushed it together with PHUL-type rep ranges for this six day hybrid of sorts.
    - Pull 1: lower rep
    - Push 1: lower rep
    - Pull 2: hypertrophy
    - Push 2 : hypertrophy
    - Legs
    - Push/Pull bonus upper body

    Aesthetically I'm finally getting to a point where I almost look like I lift... maybe? I'm dabbling with some different set/rep schemes to really try and focus the hypertrophy days. Started 6x6 w/ 30 seconds rest last week and really liking how that feels so far. I upgraded all the pulleys on my pulley tower which really made a difference to how smooth it moves; makes it nice to really slow down the tempo when using it, which also seems to have a nice effect.

    Nice update. I feel you on the family stuff. Between my work travel (monthly), holidays and family events it's hard to make a ton of progress. Part of the reason I am focusing on strength and hoping for some recomp. Albeit, if I could drop a few lbs that would be ideal
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    This week has treated me nicely when it comes to my big lifts.

    Lifetime Squat PR -290
    Hit 2x bw on DL - 335lb today.
  • azuki84
    azuki84 Posts: 212 Member
    Definitely trying to gain here. Upping my calorie to 1800 maintenance, and 2200 on training days (3-4x/week). 38M/5'4''/122LB/9.5% BF (or so my scale says, anyone with a second view please feel to confirm). Any advice on calorie intake would be appreciated. I would like to hover at the 8-sub 10% BF while gaining.
    Progress pic (NSFW) https://i.imgur.com/4yxV7Y7.jpeg
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    If you know your maintenance is 1800, then 2100-2200 is appropriate. And a protein goal that is 115-130g would be sufficient. Just make sure you follow a structured lifting routine
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    It's bulking season again for me so I figured I'd poke this thread; how's everyone been doing?

    After my bulk last year I had a meandering cut from 178.5lbs down to a low of ~172 on trend just before New Years'. I also actually saw a daily weight under 170 for the first time in several years so I'm confident I'm at a leaner starting point than previous massing phases. Based on how the last two have gone I'm splitting the difference and aiming for around +0.7 lbs/week for about the next three months. Targets are 2800 cal, 180g Protein, 62g Fat (minimum) and 380g carbs.
  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    It's bulking season again for me so I figured I'd poke this thread; how's everyone been doing?

    After my bulk last year I had a meandering cut from 178.5lbs down to a low of ~172 on trend just before New Years'. I also actually saw a daily weight under 170 for the first time in several years so I'm confident I'm at a leaner starting point than previous massing phases. Based on how the last two have gone I'm splitting the difference and aiming for around +0.7 lbs/week for about the next three months. Targets are 2800 cal, 180g Protein, 62g Fat (minimum) and 380g carbs.

    I'm at the top of a bulk I started about six months ago. Currently at 230(ish)# and plan on a cut after this mini break (no gym for three weeks). I don't plan on cutting down too far, maybe 210 or so, as I would rather look huge in clothes and I honestly prefer bear mode (so do my joints) and I'm lucky that my abs show at rather high body fat %'s.

    2k3w8l4xj2ck.jpg






  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    Ok, decided to take my bulk a bit further - now at 238# (6'2). I have no idea what body fat percentage - let's just call it super fluffy. Interesting how much more filled you look when not on an extended deload.

    Starting a cut today... is that thread still active? Are any of these threads still active? lol

    acr0un2266yr.jpg

    Oh, this was me when I first joined MFP about.. 6? 7 years ago? I think somewhere around 160lbs.

    wfgb8w5prta0.jpg

    Bulk and cut cycles do work - just have to be prepared to look like a panda at times. :p

  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    jseams1234 wrote: »
    Ok, decided to take my bulk a bit further - now at 238# (6'2). I have no idea what body fat percentage - let's just call it super fluffy. Interesting how much more filled you look when not on an extended deload.

    Starting a cut today... is that thread still active? Are any of these threads still active? lol

    acr0un2266yr.jpg

    Oh, this was me when I first joined MFP about.. 6? 7 years ago? I think somewhere around 160lbs.

    wfgb8w5prta0.jpg

    Bulk and cut cycles do work - just have to be prepared to look like a panda at times. :p

    It might just be you and I left. For my bulk I've got about 6 lbs over 8 weeks left.
  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    @steveko89 - that's unfortunate. I was gone for a quite a bit, got involved in other venues and more focused forums but still find the app useful at times. This was also the first "fitness" community I got involved with, and it was always nice seeing familiar names and following their successes and struggles over the years. It does seem that this sub forum is... light in participation - not that it was very active in comparison to the "fun and games" and similar sections before all the changes in the app. In particular, the idea of "bulking" is probably anathema for most MFP users. :D

    Nice to see you still at it though! This "sport" is certainly a long-haul journey. I do hope that all the regulars finally achieved their ultimate bodybuilding or weight gain goals.